Actos is a brand name for the prescription medication pioglitazone hydrochloride that is used to treat type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes mellitus. This medication is in a family of diabetes drugs called thiazoligediones that primarily act on the body to improve glycemic or glucose control in the blood. Actos may be used alone or with other medications when diet and exercise are not enough to control blood sugar levels. Unlike other diabetes medications, Actos does not cause hypoglycemia or very low blood sugar levels, but it does have other side effects and benefits in the body.
Beneficial Effects
According to Actos.com, the medication is used in the management of type 2 diabetes, which is also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM. This oral medication is taken once a day to increase the sensitivity to insulin in muscle and fat tissue in the body. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas and is essential in the transport of glucose into body cells. In type 2 diabetes, there may be enough insulin but decreased sensitivity to it. Other beneficial effects of Actos are inhibiting liver production of glucose to reduce blood glucose levels.
Cholesterol Effects
Drugs.com notes that a beneficial side effect of Actos is its effect on cholesterol levels. Actos improves levels HDL or 'good' cholesterol and triglycerides and does not change levels of LDL or 'bad' cholesterol in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This is a similar effect of some cholesterol medications, though Actos is approved to replace drugs for high cholesterol.
Blood Effects
Actos may also cause slightly adverse effects on the levels of the proteins hemoglobin and hematocrit in the blood. RxList.com notes that the decreased levels of these blood proteins appear to be dose-related and levels decline by only two to four percent in some patients.
Common Side Effects
Some common but unwanted side effects of Actos are normal and usually decrease or subside over time. The MayoClinic.com lists these to include chest pain, dilated neck pains, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and breathing, wheezing, decreased urine output, swelling and weight gain.
Rare Side Effects
Less common and rare side effects require medical treatment and the MayoClinic.com advises that Actos medication should not be continued if these occur. Report and rare side effects to a doctor immediately. These include pain or swelling in the legs or arms, unusual bleeding or bruising and trouble breathing.
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